Find some recent reviews of the pass labs preamps and phono preamps. I’ve not seen a single review that didn’t rave. Many reviewers end up buying the preamp for their system.
Upgrade from Pass Labs XP15 Phono
I really like Pass Labs equipment, and have had my Pass Labs XP 15 for 8 years. I am thinking of an upgrade. My system consists of Rega P10 turn table, rotating a Hana Umami Blue and Soundsmith Zephyr. XP15, Decware Sarah and Audio Note ANJ speakers. I would like the ability to tweak my gain and impedance settings without pulling the preamp out of the cabinet. I listen to mostly old school jazz, and have a budget of under $10k. A Pass XP17 doesn’t seem like a huge upgrade, but maybe a used Pass Labs XP27. Manley Steelhead RC seems like an obvious choice, maybe bringing down the cost with a trade in. Allnic H5500 is another consideration. Also, maybe matching the Rega P10 with a Rega Aura for more symmetry. The other question would be Tubes vs SS with this system, and how they may effect the sound. Thoughts or recommendations ? Thanks, Mark.
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@dishman442 I agree, not sure what specifically is deficient about a Pass Preamp. @laaudionut I did reach out to Aric, thank you.
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Thank you for all your input on my phono pre research. I am currently auditioning Lab12 Melto2, Grimm Audio PW1 and Rega Aura. by the way, Mark at Fidelis Music Systems is a great guy, and has really nice equipment at his store in Nashua NH. He also has tons of used records, great place. The Lab 12 Melto2 Tube phono pre sounded great with my system, edging out my existing Pass Labs XP15. The Lab 12 had better separation, and was very detailed. I was wondering if the Melto2 would add any noise running with the Decware Sarah 300b, but it was dead quire. Tonight the Grimm PW1
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- 26 posts total